By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

Matthew Lee Johnson

WARSAW — A Warsaw man was recently arrested for allegedly battering two public safety officials.

Matthew Lee Johnson, 51, 1502 Dot St. Apartment B., Warsaw, is charged with two counts of battery to public safety officials and possession of methamphetamine, all level 6 felonies; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and Warsaw Police Department responded to a medical assist at a residence. Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory administered aid to Johnson after he was reportedly pushed down a flight of stairs at a business in North Webster. His fall caused a laceration above his left eye. Johnson did admit to consuming alcohol prior to his fall.

An officer at the scene detected the odor of marijuana at the residence and saw marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the home. Johnson refused the search of his residence and became upset. After being told to calm down by the officers or get handcuffed, Johnson continued acting inappropriately. After several minutes, Johnson was handcuffed, but began using his legs to kick both an officer and a fireman.

Another officer at the scene confiscated the items in plain view, including THC vape cartridges, a smoking device and a plastic bag with meth residue.

Johnson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on July 17, with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.